ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Passing Through captures the fleeting encounter between human and wildlife, where a single gesture meets the freedom of flight. The image depicts an arm reaching toward a bird in flight over Paradise Falls, Victoria, symbolising the transient connection between humans and the natural world. It is part of my ongoing series Raison d’être, which explores the restorative effects of solitude in nature and its impact on psychological wellbeing. Through contemplative imagery, I invite viewers into spaces where reflection and presence unfold — where the natural world becomes both sanctuary and mirror.
Though solitude is often associated with isolation, it can also offer opportunities for creativity, insight, and inner transformation. In Passing Through, the juxtaposition of human form and wildlife evokes the delicate interplay between observation and participation — the idea that we are both guests in, and witnesses to, the larger rhythms of life. Light and shadow heighten emotional ambiguity, reflecting the uncertainty and potential of fleeting encounters in nature.
Research and cultural traditions underscore the transformative potential of solitary experiences in natural settings. Practices such as vision quests, in which individuals spend extended time alone in the wilderness, illustrate how reflection and engagement with the environment cultivate resilience, mindfulness, and wellbeing. This image embodies that principle, portraying a transient yet meaningful interaction with the environment.
This work was created on the lands of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia and the Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand. I acknowledge them as the Traditional Custodians and kaitiaki of these places and pay respect to their Elders past and present.

AUTHOR
Tony Corry is a wildlife photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. His images reflect a deep connection to nature, capturing instinctive, emotional moments across remote coastlines, forests, and nocturnal landscapes.

His work—primarily in still photography, video, and limited-edition prints—focuses on visual storytelling that supports conservation efforts. Recent projects, including the Raison d’être series and night-time wildlife portraits, explore the haunting beauty of the natural world after dark and the hidden life that emerges when human presence fades.

Tony collaborates with conservation organisations and ethical brands to create narratives that are both compelling and purposeful, aimed at raising awareness, evoking emotion, and inspiring action for the natural world.

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